Purple corn found to improve libido in males

Purple corn (Zea mays) has been used as an aphrodisiac since the time of ancient Mexico. A study published in the journal Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine sought to understand the mechanisms behind this plant’s effect.

The researchers suspected that purple corn extract stimulated the ejaculatory response in males.

They used an animal model composed of male rats able to copulate and male rats whose spinal cord had been transected. Three doses of purple corn extract (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) were administered to the animals.

The rats’ copulating behavior was noted before and after the administration of the extracts. In the control group, the researchers noted no change in the animals’ mount latency and the number of mounts performed. All doses, however, increased the number of intromissions performed by male animals. Ejaculation latency was decreased

In the spinal group, the researchers successfully used the extract to stimulate an increase in the number of discharges of the ejaculatory motor patterns.

According to the researchers, these are proof that purple corn extract has aphrodisiac effects.